#United Kingdom #The Royal Mint #Freddie Mercury #Music Legends #Llantrisant

The Royal Mint Honors Freddie Mercury

In a magnificent tribute to one of rock music's greatest icons, the Royal Mint has unveiled a collector's coin featuring none other than Freddie Mercury. This release not only commemorates Mercury's potential as an entertainer but also serves as a piece of history that fans of music and collectors alike will cherish.

The design of the coin is truly spectacular. At its center, Freddie is captured in the midst of one of his legendary performances, showcasing his signature style and charisma. His image is accompanied by intricate details that tell the story of his extraordinary talent. Encircling the edge of the coin is a musical staff—a homage to his remarkable four-octave vocal range—declaring his genius as a vocalist.

Among the standout features of this coin is an artistic rendition of his iconic studded wristband from the legendary Live Aid performance in 1985. Many consider this performance to be one of the greatest in rock history, and it represents a pivotal moment in Mercury's illustrious career. In a delightful twist, some variants of the coin will be colorized, bringing to life Mercury's famous yellow jacket and encapsulating the vibrant stage energy that made him a magnetic performer.

This reveal comes at a fitting time; it aligns with the 40th anniversary of Queen’s remarkable Live Aid performance as well as the anniversary of Freddie’s debut solo studio album, Mr. Bad Guy. This dual celebration underscores Mercury's immense versatility both as a member of Queen and as a solo artist who continually pushed creative boundaries throughout his career.

Kashmira Bulsara, Freddie Mercury's sister, took part in this historic moment by minting the very first coin, an act that undoubtedly brought immense pride and emotion to the family. Rebecca Morgan, the Director of Commemorative Coins at the Royal Mint, expressed her sentiment about the occasion, stating, "The visit of Kashmira to mint the first Freddie Mercury coin was incredibly moving. Freddie Mercury was not just a musician; he was a force of nature who transformed every stage he graced. This coin perfectly captures that electric energy and celebrates a truly global icon whose impact continues to inspire generations."

Kashmira shared her thoughts, stating, "To mint the first coin at the Royal Mint was a very emotional and proud moment for me. Freddie would have been thrilled to be honored in this way and to know that his family played a part in this tribute. He had immense respect for British traditions and institutions, and it would have meant a lot for him that the Royal Mint celebrated his legacy with such beautiful artistry. The coin beautifully embodies his passion and the joy he brought to millions through his music."

The unveiling of the Freddie Mercury collector’s coin is another example of the Royal Mint’s dedication to honoring British cultural icons who have left an indelible mark on the world stage. From his beginnings with Queen to his final performances, Mercury’s legacy as one of Britain’s greatest entertainers is now immortalized on an official British coin.

In an act of further homage to Mercury’s philanthropic efforts, the Royal Mint will additionally donate a special gold proof version of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity established in his memory. This unique piece will be auctioned in the coming months, continuing Mercury's mission to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Freddie Mercury becomes the latest artist featured in the ongoing series "Music Legends" by the Royal Mint, which honors the greatest singers and songwriters in British history. He follows in the footsteps of luminaries like David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey, and Paul McCartney, all of whom have had their own British coins created. The "Music Legends" series is immensely popular among collectors and music enthusiasts, with nearly half a million coins delivered to fans in 108 countries worldwide.

The collection will be available starting November 18 at 9 AM, with prices beginning at £18.50. For more information and to purchase, visit the Royal Mint website or check out the Freddie Mercury Store for a selection of these commemorative coins.